Senior Scientific Officer - Ruminants (3449)

Do you want to help create a better world for farmed animals?

At the RSPCA, we believe that improving animal welfare benefits everyone. Join us in creating a better world for animals. Choose a career with us and make a difference.

We are looking for a new team member to join us as a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer (SSPO) for Ruminants within our Science and Policy team.

Working hours: 35 hours / Monday – Friday
Location: Horsham Hub & Home-based
Hybrid role: With a requirement to travel to Horsham once a month, and some UK travel for farm visits. 

Please note that due to travel requirements a full drivers license is essential for this position. 

As a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer, you'll use your expertise and knowledge to help shape RSPCA policy, influence positive change and support the development of welfare standards for ruminants, including dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.

You'll work across science, policy, research and advocacy, providing trusted support and advice to colleagues and senior stakeholders while representing the RSPCA externally. You'll work with the government, farming industry, scientific communities and other organisations to improve ruminant welfare.

It's important to us that you feel part of the team from the start. You'll have regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our recruitment journey – key dates for you to note

Here's what the process looks like, no surprises, just a friendly guide:

1. Application
   You'll be asked to answer 3 questions to give us a sense of your experience, skills, and potential. Don't worry if you don't tick every box - what really matters is what you can bring to the role and the team.
2. Panel Interview
   If your application is successful, you'll be invited to a panel interview with the Hiring Manager. This is a chance to:
   • Share more about your experience, expertise and achievements in farm animal welfare
   • Talk about how you've influenced policy, standards, research or practice
   • Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex scientific information to different audiences
   • Ask questions about the role, the team and the impact you could make. Interviews are a two-way conversation, and we recognise that any career move needs to feel right for you as well as for us.
   • Show off your skills and behaviours in a relaxed, supportive setting

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know - we're happy to support you.

We think this role is going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest, so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out. The deadline for applications will be 3rd November 2026.

Here at RSPCA, no two days are the same. As a Senior Scientific & Policy Officer for Ruminants, you'll work across a varied portfolio of scientific, policy and welfare issues relating to ruminants, including dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.

You could start your day by reviewing new scientific evidence or preparing a briefing on an emerging welfare issue. You might then provide specialist advice to colleagues or RSPCA Assured, helping them understand and apply higher welfare standards in practice.

You could also be working with technical advisory groups and external experts to develop and improve the RSPCA's welfare standards, including the integration of welfare outcome assessment and veterinary health and welfare guidance.

A key part of the role will be using your expertise and communication skills to influence positive change. You may represent the RSPCA at government and non-governmental meetings, technical committees and working groups, contributing to discussions around legislation, policy and improved farming practices.

You'll also have opportunities to represent the RSPCA through presentations, conferences and media interviews (after training), responding to questions and challenges with clear, evidence-based information.

Research will form another important part of your work. You'll help initiate and coordinate research projects, including farm trials, contribute to technical steering groups and identify developments in science that could have an impact on welfare.

You'll work collaboratively across the RSPCA and with external organisations, supporting projects and initiatives that bring together research, advocacy and public awareness. You'll also have the opportunity to create and deliver training for colleagues, including RSPCA Assured Assessors.

For a full insight into the role and responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.

We're looking for someone who combines strong scientific and practical expertise with excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. You'll have a genuine interest in farmed animal welfare and the ability to use evidence and expertise to drive positive change.

You'll have a broad and contemporary understanding of livestock farming systems and the key welfare issues affecting ruminants. You'll also have a strong understanding of ruminant production and welfare, alongside theoretical and practical knowledge of on-farm welfare assessment and hands-on experience of working with one or more ruminant species.

You'll be confident analysing scientific and technical information and turning it into clear, credible advice. You'll have experience preparing and delivering presentations and reports for different audiences and be comfortable adapting your communication style depending on who you're working with.

Relationship building will be important in this role. You'll be able to work effectively with colleagues, government, farming organisations, scientists, animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders, including where discussions may be challenging or views differ. You'll bring strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to maintain robust and well-reasoned arguments while remaining constructive and professional.

We're looking for someone who can think strategically while also being comfortable working independently and as part of a wider team. Experience of leadership, people management or supervision would also be valuable.

Above all, you'll share our commitment to improving farmed animal welfare and have the confidence, credibility and passion to represent the RSPCA and its policies both internally and externally.

You'll also be comfortable using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email and online research tools as part of your day-to-day work.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to create a better world for animals. We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our purpose.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.